The Hackney Empire is one famous stage. It has welcomed plays, comedy, talks, opera, uncountable concerts, pantomime and more. A matinee performance is a productive way to rest your weary legs after strolling around the active neighbourhood of Hackney.

The Hackney Picture House is a cinema that screens the latest releases and art house flicks. Programming is a bang-on mix of top-of-the-range mainstream movies and artier films. The cinema opens 15 minutes before the start of the first film each day.

Chesham Arms is a cosy traditional pub saved by its loving local community. It is known to be a splendid place to indulge in excellent beers in its outdoor garden during the golden hour. Simple and laidback, they turn on the fire during winter and serve Pizzas from their neighbor pizzeria. 

Pophams was the first of its kind when it opened its original outpost in Islington in 2017. It pushes the boundaries of pastry – the Marmite swirl (with Schlossberger cheese, spring onion and sesame seeds) is a revelation. And in the evening its warehouse-style London Fields restaurant is full of diners sharing plates of rich pumpkin cappelletti and ox-cheek cannelloni. The range of homewares is also charming.